Loyalty Lines

This passage discusses how Americans after the Revolution were divided between Federalists and Anti-Federalists. Federalists, supported by merchants and bankers, wanted a strong national government to regulate trade and protect property. Anti-Federalists, supported by farmers and workers, feared too much government power and wanted stronger state control. Social and economic groups influenced whether people supported one side or the other. This debate shaped American politics and continues to influence modern political divides.

Reading this type of passage helps students connect social history with political ideas, boosting comprehension. It introduces vocabulary tied to economics and politics, such as “landowners,” “trade,” and “economy.” Students practice identifying cause-and-effect relationships between social groups and their political preferences. Critical thinking is developed by analyzing why different people supported different sides. Finally, grammar and reading fluency improve through exposure to well-structured informational text.